Three Reasons to Keep Your Gutters Clean

Although for many people gutters are out of sight, out of mind, it’s important to remember they play a vital role in the protection of your home, preserving your roofing system and diverting water away from your foundation and landscaping. In order for gutters to do their job effectively, however, they must be kept clear of any obstructions that may cause them to clog and overflow. If this task is neglected, you may end up with one of the following unpleasant surprises.

Mold

Leaves, twigs, seed pods, and other debris that are allowed to build up and block gutters will eventually start to decompose as water backs up, resulting in a slippery, slimy mess that’s a prime location for mold growth. These conditions must be avoided at all costs, as mold is quick to spread and can overcome other areas of your home before you know it. Fortunately, preventing the growth and spread of mold is as easy as regularly cleaning out your gutters.

Damage to Siding

Another negative side effect of clogged gutters is the damage they can do to your home’s siding. This occurs when the combined weight of standing water, leaves, and tree debris cause overloaded gutters to bend, droop, and even separate from the house and necessitate gutter replacement. The added stress and pressure this causes could result in further damage to the walls, fascia, and siding as well, and overflowing gutters will in time lead to unattractive staining on your siding if left unchecked.

Wood Rot

When gutters are blocked and unable to operate properly, water doesn’t just run over the sides; it could also back up, seeping under the shingles and causing moisture damage that could eventually result in the wood components of the roof beginning to rot. Rotting wood is a great threat to the structural integrity of your roof, and if the issue isn’t speedily addressed, it could result in costly roof repairs or even a premature roof replacement.

Gutter cleaning is a dirty and sometimes dangerous job. If you want to avoid having to perform this tedious task in the future, consider taking advantage of the professional gutter services of Callen by having our Gutter Topper® gutter protection system installed on all your gutters, which will keep them clean and clear year-round. Call Callen today at 414-765-2585 to find out more about this amazing system.